Summer Vacation 2014: Bucket List

On my bucket list of things to do on our trip to Utah was to go hiking in the mountains. We chose Stewart Falls up Provo Canyon as our destination. We rounded up some willing adventure seekers and away we went!

 

 It was a beautiful hike filled with wonderful traveling companions.

 

I was very surprised and pleased that Paul's Mom decided to join us on our hike.  About half way through she told us that she had envisioned a much easier hike.  She had thought we were going to Cascade Springs, which is more like a nature walk. The hike to Stewart Falls I would not describe as hard, but there are a lot of ups & downs. She deserves an award for sticking with it and making it to the falls.

It was hot, and after the notion of collecting grass and sticks wore off, John didn't much care for this hike either.  He was ready to sit down in the trail and not go a step farther.  But then he could hear the sound of water . . . he asked me what that sound was.  I told him it was the water fall.  From then on I could hardly keep up with him he was so excited to get to the "river" to throw rocks.  He began earnestly collecting rocks as he walked filling his pockets and hands.

John does not hike fast, he "enjoys the roses" while he hikes, so by the time we reached the falls, the older teenage cousins (who had arrived much quicker than us) were asking to start back.  What??? Just sit, climb, wade & enjoy the beautiful scenery you silly kids! 

 

 

Climb - some did; Tyler & LeeAnn made it half way up the falls.  Wade - the younger ones did. Sit - most of did and enjoyed a snack lunch. Enjoyed the beautiful scenery - I did! and a few others also.

By the time we made it back to the  cars at the trailhead we had some tired & very dirty kiddos (and adults).

 

Once we arrived back at Grandma & Grandpa's house for lunch we had a "wash down" party to spray the black dirt off of our shoes, socks, legs & toes.  Who knew that toes could get so dirty inside a pair of shoes?

 

It had been 12 years since Paul & I had hiked to Stewart Falls.  It was just a beautiful as I remembered.  It did my heart, mind & spirit good to be out enjoying the beautiful mountains!  Note to self: do that more often!